The Ministry of Health will introduce mandatory licensing for all medical specialists, IPN reports.
Secretary of State Svetlana Nicolaescu stated in an interview with IPN that there is currently no such system in the country, which creates gaps in the monitoring of healthcare quality: “Unfortunately, in Moldova we cannot rely solely on the common sense of doctors, specialists, or patients. We need clear and even strict rules, and licensing will become mandatory for any specialist entering the profession.”
According to the ministry’s plans, the license will be issued by a competent authority and will have to be kept active by accumulating a minimum number of training hours. In the event of disciplinary or legal violations, the authority will suspend or even withdraw the right to practice.
The initiative is included in the reform package supported by the European Union, and the creation of the licensing system is a priority on the national agenda: “We intend to implement this reform with the support of the European Union. It is an essential step towards ensuring the quality of medical care in Moldova.”
A similar model is also being considered for psychologists, with discussions underway about establishing a professional association similar to the one in Romania. This association would grant licenses to psychologists and psychotherapists based on regulated studies and qualifications.
“Regardless of specialty – whether we are talking about clinical psychologists or other health professionals – there must be an authority that grants the right to practice and monitors the proper exercise of this profession,” added the secretary of state.
The authorities assure that the chosen model will be adapted to the realities of the Moldovan healthcare system, and that the regulatory process will be transparent and focused on patient safety.
